The Los Angeles Athletic Club will feature two #1 world-ranked squash champions at this year?s CB Richard Ellis Investors California Squash Championships scheduled over the February 16th President?s Day weekend?

First to appear will be current World #1 player, 27 year-old Amr Shabana of Egypt, won the World Open in 2003 and 2005, and reached the World #1 ranking in 2006. Shabana stunned the world in December of 2003 when, seeded only ninth, captured his first World Open title, defeating Thierry Lincou of France in the final. In 2004, Shabana finished runner-up at the British Open, losing in the final to Australian David Palmer. Shabana won his second World Open title in 2005, beating Palmer in that final. In April of 2006, Shabana became the first Egyptian ever to gain the ranking of the World?s #1 professional squash player. Shabana also won the 2006 PSA Masters, the Tournament of Champions in New York, and recently, the 2007 Windy City Open in Chicago.

Also appearing will be 19 year-old Ramy Ashour, who made squash history when he won the World Junior Championships to become the first man ever to win the world junior title twice. Ashour shocked the squash world two years ago when he romped through the biennial event in Pakistan to become the fourth Egyptian to win the crown since the inaugural in 1980. Now ranked #6 in the world, he received his trophy and the winner?s medal from the ten-year British Open Champion and legendary Jahangir Khan, current World Squash Federation President. ?Jahangir told me to keep it up and you?ll someday become the senior champion. You?re improving every day,? Ashour said. As a senior player, Ramy recently won the 2007 PACE Canadian Classic.

These two players will be featured in an exhibition match during the CBRE Investors California Championships, co-sponsored by Feather Sports USA, Saturday afternoon February 17th. The event will also feature full draws for the local amateur squash-playing community.

Seats for the professional exhibition WILL be limited. Detailed information may be obtained by contacting LAAC Squash Professional Bob Hanscom at 213-630-5238 or e-mailing lasquash@yahoo.com